[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 154 (Friday, September 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING COTTONWOOD INDUSTRIES AND THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize a 
program which, in the last year, has helped more than 43,000 Americans 
who are blind or who have severe disabilities gain skills and training 
that ultimately led to gainful employment; The AbilityOne Program.
  The AbilityOne Program, formerly known as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day 
Program, harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to 
buy products and services from participating community-based nonprofit 
agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with 
disabilities. This program affords Americans with disabilities the 
opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and 
benefits, and gain greater independence and quality of life. This comes 
in a segment of the population that has suffered from significant 
unemployment. But programs such as AbilityOne have come a long way in 
helping to bring people with disabilities into working society.
  I recently had the pleasure of visiting with a community partner in 
the AbilityOne program. Cottonwood Industries, located in Lawrence, KS, 
employed 53 people last year, manufacturing products utilized by the 
Department of Defense in the continued protection of our country. 
Beyond AbilityOne, Cottonwood further employed another 185 individuals 
with disabilities in other community opportunities. Cottonwood offers a 
range of services beyond employment to Americans who are in need of 
assistance. Community agencies like Cottonwood are very important to 
those who directly utilize them, but also to society as a whole.
  It is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne 
Program. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment of Sharon 
Spratt, Executive Director of Cottonwood Industries, and her staff, for 
helping individuals who are blind or have a disability find employment. 
Their work helps Kansans to live fuller lives and become more active 
members of society. I also commend each AbilityOne program employee who 
works every day to improve their lives and make our country a better 
place to live.

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